Families celebrate Irish culture during Irish Fest Family Day

WAUWATOSA (WITI) -- Milwaukee's Irish Fest may still be months away, but the family version of the celebration was held on the eve of St. Patrick's Day -- Sunday, March 16th in Wauwatosa.

"This is a day of celebration of all things Irish and Celtic -- and families," Bridget Ward with Milwaukee Irish Fest Family Day said.

"You just wanna keep that culture going, you know. As America becomes more and more of a melting pot, you wanna share that history with our children," Colleen Zeidler said.

The event offers a range of activities and cultural experiences including access to the Ward Irish Music Archives, the construction of crafts and keepsakes, the Irish music of Ceol Cairde and the moves of the Trinity Irish Dancers.

"It’s a really fun way to stay in shape, and help other people smile," Irish dancer Maggie Nowakowski said.

With so many kids coming to a family day performance, it serves as an opportunity to both entertain and inspire.

"You look into the crowd and you see all the little kids watching with just amazement in their eyes. You remember that you were one of them, and that they could be you someday," Nowakowski said.

Family Day serves as an alcohol-free preview of Milwaukee's Irish Fest, which is billed as the country's largest Irish festival.

"We find that a lot of families want a safe and fun way to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day, and this event is definitely a way to do that," Ward said.

The Milwaukee Irish Fest Center is the country's largest facility of its kind, and it is open to the public year-round.

CLICK HERE for additional information on Milwaukee Irish Fest Family Day, and Milwaukee's Irish Fest.